WO2014107785A1 - Appareil et procédé d'étanchéification d'une conduite - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé d'étanchéification d'une conduite Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014107785A1
WO2014107785A1 PCT/CA2013/000009 CA2013000009W WO2014107785A1 WO 2014107785 A1 WO2014107785 A1 WO 2014107785A1 CA 2013000009 W CA2013000009 W CA 2013000009W WO 2014107785 A1 WO2014107785 A1 WO 2014107785A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
seal assembly
seal
carrier
conduit
comprised
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2013/000009
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Colin BOURNE
Original Assignee
Treadstone Oilfield Services Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Treadstone Oilfield Services Ltd. filed Critical Treadstone Oilfield Services Ltd.
Priority to PCT/CA2013/000009 priority Critical patent/WO2014107785A1/fr
Priority to US14/759,188 priority patent/US9857016B2/en
Priority to CA2897349A priority patent/CA2897349C/fr
Publication of WO2014107785A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014107785A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/18—Appliances for use in repairing pipes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K7/00—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves
    • F16K7/20—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with a compressible solid closure member
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/10—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses
    • F16L55/12—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ
    • F16L55/128—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose
    • F16L55/132—Means for stopping flow from or in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially deforming the packing
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/0318—Processes
    • Y10T137/0402—Cleaning, repairing, or assembling
    • Y10T137/0441—Repairing, securing, replacing, or servicing pipe joint, valve, or tank
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/598—With repair, tapping, assembly, or disassembly means
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
    • Y10T137/598—With repair, tapping, assembly, or disassembly means
    • Y10T137/6154—With disassembly tool engaging feature
    • Y10T137/6157—Wrench engaging lugs

Definitions

  • TECHNICAL FIELD An apparatus and a method for selectively sealing a conduit in order to facilitate maintenance or repair of the conduit or its associated fittings.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conduits such as pipes frequently contain fluids, which may be at a pressure greater than ambient pressure.
  • the fluids and the pressure may be maintained within a conduit by one or more fittings such as valves which are associated with the conduit. If such fittings are removed or become compromised, leakage of fluid and/or pressure from the conduit may result.
  • a conduit as described above may be associated with any source of fluid and/or pressure.
  • the conduit may be in fluid communication with a storage tank, such as an oil storage tank, so that the fluid in the conduit originates from the storage tank and the pressure in the conduit is due to the pressure head of the fluid within the storage tank.
  • a conduit installation may include a conduit and its associated fittings.
  • a first option is to remove the source of fluid and/or pressure by disconnecting the conduit from the source of fluid and/or pressure or by draining a storage tank to which the conduit may be connected. This first option may be effective in eliminating or reducing fluid and/or pressure leakage, but is potentially time consuming, inconvenient and expensive, since it may require temporarily removing equipment from operation while the conduit is maintained or repaired.
  • a second option is to seal the conduit upstream of the location at which the maintenance or repair is taking place so that the location of maintenance or repair is isolated from the fluid and/or pressure.
  • This second option typically requires a seal assembly which may be delivered through the conduit to a position upstream of the location of maintenance or repair and which can be selectively actuated to temporarily seal the conduit at the desired position.
  • Apparatus and methods exist which enable a seal assembly to be inserted into the conduit at a position downstream of the location of maintenance or repair, to be moved upstream past the location of maintenance or repair, and to be selectively actuated to temporarily seal the conduit upstream of the location of maintenance or repair. Once the maintenance or repair is completed, the seal assembly may be selectively actuated to unseal the conduit and the seal assembly may be removed from the conduit.
  • Such apparatus typically include a housing which is adapted to be connected with a fitting associated with the conduit.
  • a seal assembly carrier (typically comprising a rod and/or a tube) is typically connected to the seal assembly for conveying the seal assembly through the conduit and for actuating the seal assembly.
  • the seal assembly carrier typically extends reciprocably through a housing bore of the housing. The housing prevents fluids from discharging from the conduit while the seal assembly is conveyed by the seal assembly carrier through the conduit and its associated fittings.
  • the housing can typically be removed from the fitting, since the seal assembly will prevent fluids from discharging from the conduit. Once the housing is removed from the fitting, work may be performed on the fitting and on any intermediate fittings interposed between the fitting and the seal assembly without the risk of fluids escaping from the conduit.
  • seal assembly is typically fixed to the seal assembly carrier so that the seal assembly carrier typically must remain attached to the seal assembly after the housing is removed from the fitting.
  • removal of intermediate fittings from the conduit installation typically requires that the intermediate fittings be moved axially to clear the proximal end of the seal assembly carrier, which may not be possible in conduit installations in which axial movement of the intermediate fittings is restricted or not possible.
  • the fitting to which the housing is attached is located proximally relative to the intermediate fitting and may be permanently mounted so that the fitting cannot be removed. Consequently, in such conduit installations, intermediate fittings between the permanently mounted fitting and the seal assembly will be prevented by the permanently mounted fitting from moving axially to clear the proximal end of the seal assembly carrier.
  • the intermediate fittings are blocked from axial movement by the permanently mounted fitting and therefore can only be removed from the conduit installation by moving the intermediate fittings transversely relative to the axis of the conduit installation. Since, however, the seal assembly carrier typically extends from the seal assembly through the intermediate fittings and into the permanently mounted fitting, the intermediate fittings are also blocked from transverse movement by the seal assembly carrier.
  • seal assembly could be selectively disconnected from the seal assembly carrier when the seal assembly carrier is not required for conveying or actuating the seal assembly, so that the seal assembly carrier does not interfere with the maintenance, repair or replacement of fittings associated with the conduit.
  • proximal and distal are relative to a user of the apparatus or method.
  • proximal means relatively close to the user and relatively removed from the conduit with which the apparatus is used
  • distal means relatively removed from the user and relatively close to the conduit with which the apparatus is used.
  • moving in a "proximal direction” means moving toward the user and away from the conduit
  • moving in a “distal direction” means moving away from the user and toward the conduit.
  • downstream and upstream are relative to the source of fluid which is to be contained by using the apparatus or method.
  • downstream means relatively removed from the source of fluid (i.e., the storage tank) and "upstream” means relatively close to the source of fluid (i.e., the storage tank).
  • the present invention is directed at an apparatus and a method for selectively sealing a conduit in order to facilitate maintenance or repair of a conduit installation (including replacement of fittings), wherein the conduit installation includes a conduit and its associated fittings.
  • the apparatus of the invention comprises a housing defining a housing bore, an actuatable seal assembly adapted for sealing the conduit, a seal assembly carrier for conveying the seal assembly and for actuating the seal assembly, and an actuatable connection between the seal assembly and the seal assembly carrier.
  • the method of the invention comprises providing an apparatus comprising a housing, an actuatable seal assembly, a seal assembly carrier and an actuatable connection, selectively actuating the seal assembly between an unset position and a set position, selectively actuating the actuatable connection between a connected state and an unconnected state, and selectively advancing and retracting the seal assembly carrier through a housing bore of the housing.
  • the invention is an apparatus for selectively sealing a conduit comprising:
  • a housing the housing defining a housing bore and having a housing proximal end and a housing distal end, wherein the housing distal end is adapted to be connectable with a fitting associated with the conduit;
  • an actuatable seal assembly adapted for sealing the conduit, wherein the seal assembly is selectively actuatable between an unset position for conveying the seal assembly through the conduit and a set position for sealing the conduit;
  • the seal assembly may be selectively actuated between the unset position and the set position in any manner.
  • the seal assembly may be actuated mechanically, hydraulically and/or electrically.
  • the seal assembly may be actuated by relative axial movement between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier and one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • the seal assembly may be actuated by relative rotation between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier and one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • the actuatable connection may be selectively actuated between the connected state and the disconnected state in any manner.
  • the actuatable connection may be actuated mechanically, hydraulically and/or electrically.
  • the actuatable connection may be actuated by relative axial movement between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier and one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • the actuatable connection may be actuated by relative rotation between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier and one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • the housing may be comprised of any suitable structure, device or apparatus which is capable of accommodating the tube within the housing bore and which is adapted to be connectable with a fitting associated with the conduit.
  • the housing may consist of a single component, or may be comprised of a plurality of components which are connected together.
  • the fitting with which the housing is connected may be associated with the proximal end of the conduit installation so that the fitting is a relatively proximal fitting.
  • the fitting with which the housing is connected may be a permanently mounted fitting.
  • the fitting with which the housing is connected may be a permanently mounted proximal fitting.
  • the housing may be adapted to be connectable with the fitting in any manner which is suitable to facilitate a connection with the intended fitting.
  • the housing may be provided with external threads, internal threads, a flange, or a camlock coupling.
  • the housing bore defines two primary ports in the housing which facilitate passage of the tube through the housing bore and the housing.
  • the housing may further comprise one or more auxiliary ports which communicate with the housing bore.
  • the housing may further comprise valves which are associated with the auxiliary ports.
  • the one or more auxiliary ports facilitate draining of the housing bore and/or introduction of fluids into the housing bore while the apparatus is connected with the conduit or its associated fitting.
  • the housing may be further comprised of a packing in the housing bore for providing a seal between the housing and the seal assembly carrier when the seal assembly carrier is within the housing bore.
  • the packing may be comprised of any suitable structure, device or apparatus which is effective to provide the seal while permitting reciprocation of the seal assembly carrier relative to the housing bore.
  • the housing may be further comprised of a packing ring in the housing bore for assisting in maintaining the packing within the housing bore.
  • the seal assembly is comprised of a seal comprising at least one seal element.
  • the seal may be comprised of a single seal element.
  • the seal may be comprised of a plurality of seal elements.
  • a plurality of seal elements may be comprised of a proximal seal element and a distal seal element. In some embodiments, a plurality of seal elements may be comprised of a proximal seal element, a distal seal element, and one or more intermediate seal elements located between the proximal seal element and the distal seal element.
  • a single seal element or a plurality of seal elements may be comprised of, may consist of, or may consist essentially of an elastomeric material.
  • the elastomeric material may be any suitable natural and/or synthetic material which exhibits elastic properties.
  • the elastomeric material may be a natural and/or a synthetic rubber.
  • a plurality of seal elements may be comprised of an elastomeric proximal seal element, an elastomeric distal seal element, and possibly one or more elastomeric intermediate seal elements.
  • a single seal element or a plurality of seal elements each have an unexpanded minimum diameter and an expanded maximum diameter.
  • the unexpanded minimum diameter is the minimum diameter of the seal element when the seal assembly is in the unset position.
  • the expanded maximum diameter is the maximum diameter of the seal element when the seal assembly is in the set position.
  • the ratio between the expanded maximum diameter and the unexpanded minimum diameter of a seal element may be described as an expansion ratio.
  • the unexpanded minimum diameter of each of the seal elements may be the same or some or all of the seal elements may have different unexpanded minimum diameters.
  • the expanded maximum diameter of each of the seal elements may be the same or some or all of the seal elements may have different expanded maximum diameters.
  • the expansion ratios of each of the seal elements may be the same or some or all of the seal elements may have different expansion ratios.
  • the unexpanded minimum diameter may be any diameter which will facilitate conveying the seal element through the smallest dimension which will be encountered by the seal element during use of the apparatus.
  • the expanded maximum diameter may be any diameter which will facilitate sealing of the largest conduit which will be required to be sealed by the seal element during use of the apparatus.
  • Each seal element has a seal element length.
  • the seal element length of each of the seal elements may be the same or some or all of the seal elements may have different seal element lengths.
  • the seal element length of a seal element may be less than, equal to, or greater than the unexpanded minimum diameter and/or the expanded maximum diameter of the seal element.
  • the seal elements are arranged end to end in the seal assembly.
  • the seal assembly may be configured so that the proximal seal element is adjacent to the distal seal element.
  • the seal assembly may be configured so that the proximal seal element and the distal seal element are separated by one or more intermediate seal elements.
  • a seal element may contact its adjacent seal element or seal elements.
  • the seal assembly may be further comprised of one or more spacers.
  • the one or more spacers may be positioned between some or all of the seal elements. In some embodiments, more than one spacer may be positioned between two seal elements. In some particular embodiments, the seal assembly may be further comprised of a spacer positioned between the proximal seal element and the distal seal element.
  • Each of the spacers has a spacer diameter.
  • the spacer diameter of each of the spacers may be the same or some or all of the spacers may have different spacer diameters.
  • the spacer diameters may be any diameter which will facilitate passing the spacer through the smallest dimension which will be encountered by the spacer during use of the apparatus.
  • the spacer diameter may be less than, equal to or greater than the unexpanded minimum diameter of the seal elements. In some particular embodiments, the spacer embodiment may be less than the unexpanded minimum diameter of each of the proximal seal element and the distal seal element.
  • the materials and dimensions which are suitable for a seal assembly comprising a plurality of seal elements may also be suitable for a seal assembly comprising a single seal element.
  • the seal may expand radially in response to an axial setting force being applied thereto in order to actuate the seal assembly to the set position, and the seal may contract radially in response to the axial setting force being released in order to actuate the seal assembly to the unset position.
  • the seal has a seal proximal end and a seal distal end.
  • the seal assembly may be comprised of a proximal collar for engaging the seal proximal end.
  • the seal assembly may be comprised of a distal collar for engaging the seal distal end.
  • Each of the proximal collar and the distal collar may be comprised of any structure, device or apparatus which is capable of engaging with the seal in order to apply the axial setting force to the seal.
  • the proximal collar and the distal collar may be identical or substantially identical, or may be comprised of different structures, devices or apparatus.
  • the proximal collar and the distal collar may each consist of a single component, or may be comprised of a plurality of components which are connected together.
  • the proximal collar and the distal collar may engage the seal directly or indirectly.
  • the proximal collar and/or the distal collar may be physically separated from the seal by a spacer or by a similar structure, device or apparatus.
  • the seal assembly may be comprised of an actuatable device for actuating the seal assembly.
  • the actuatable device may be comprised of any structure, device or apparatus which is capable of actuating the seal assembly.
  • the actuatable device may actuate the seal assembly by moving the proximal collar and the distal collar axially relative to each other in order to apply and release the axial setting force to and from the seal.
  • the actuatable device may be comprised of any structure, device or apparatus which is capable of moving the proximal collar and the distal collar axially relative to each other in order to apply and release the axial setting force to and from the seal.
  • the actuatable device may move linearly to move the proximal collar and the distal collar axially relative to each other.
  • the actuatable device may be comprised of a jacking mechanism so that the axial setting force results directly from an axially exerted force.
  • the actuatable device may convert rotational movement to axial movement in order to move the proximal collar and the distal collar axially relative to each other.
  • the actuatable device may be comprised a threaded device so that rotation of the actuatable device indirectly applies the axial setting force.
  • the actuatable device is associated with at least one of the proximal collar and the distal collar.
  • the actuatable device may be comprised of a rotatable structure such as a threaded nut or a threaded shaft, which is compatible with a complementary structure associated with at least one of the proximal collar and the distal collar.
  • the actuatable device may be comprised of a threaded seal assembly nut and the distal collar may be comprised of a threaded shaft.
  • the proximal collar may be carried on the threaded shaft and the seal assembly nut may be threaded on the threaded shaft so that the proximal collar is between the seal assembly nut and the distal collar.
  • the seal assembly carrier may be comprised of any structure, device or apparatus which is capable of reciprocably extending through the housing bore in order to convey the seal assembly, which is capable of selectively actuating the seal assembly between the unset position and the set position, and which is capable of selectively actuating the actuatable connection between the connected state and the disconnected state.
  • the seal assembly carrier may be comprised of a single component or may be comprised of a plurality of components.
  • the seal assembly carrier may be comprised of a connecting component and the actuatable connection may be provided between the connecting component and the seal assembly.
  • the connecting component may be comprised of any structure, device or apparatus which is capable of selectively connecting with the seal assembly and which is capable of providing the actuatable connection.
  • the connecting component may be comprised of a single part, or may be comprised of a plurality of parts.
  • the connecting component may be comprised of a connecting tube.
  • the connecting tube may define a tube bore.
  • the actuatable connection may be actuated between the connected state and the disconnected state by manipulating the connecting component.
  • the actuatable connection may be actuated between the connected state and the disconnected state by relative rotation between the connecting component and one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • the actuatable connection may be comprised of a threaded connection between the connecting component and one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • the seal assembly carrier may be comprised of a seal actuating component for actuating the seal assembly.
  • the seal actuating component may be comprised of any structure, device or apparatus which is capable of selectively actuating the seal assembly.
  • the seal actuating component may be comprised of a single part, or may be comprised of a plurality of parts.
  • the seal actuating component may be comprised of a seal actuating member.
  • the seal actuating member may be comprised of an actuating tool for actuating the seal assembly.
  • the actuating tool may interact with the actuatable device in order to actuate the seal assembly.
  • the seal assembly may be actuated between the unset position and the set position by relative rotation between the seal actuating component and one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • the axial setting force may by applied and released by manipulating the seal actuating component and/or by relative rotation between the seal actuating component and one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • the seal actuating member may be configured to fit within the tube bore.
  • the actuating tool may be comprised of a wrench.
  • the wrench may engage the seal assembly nut so that the seal assembly is actuated between the unset position and the set position by rotation of the seal assembly nut by the wrench.
  • the seal assembly carrier has a carrier proximal end and a carrier distal end.
  • the seal assembly may be associated with the carrier distal end such that the seal assembly protrudes from the housing distal end.
  • the carrier proximal end may protrude from the housing proximal end.
  • the seal assembly may be actuated from the unset position to the set position by relative rotation between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier and one or more components of the seal assembly in a first rotational direction
  • the actuatable connection may be actuated from the connected state to the disconnected state by relative rotation between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier and one or more components of the seal assembly in a second rotational direction which is opposite to the first rotational direction, in order to reduce the risk that actuating the seal assembly to the set position will result in actuating the actuatable connection to the disconnected state.
  • the directions of relative rotation required to actuate the seal assembly to the set position and to actuate the actuatable connection to the disconnected state may be the same.
  • the seal assembly may be actuated from the set position to the unset position by relative rotation between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier and one or more components of the seal assembly in the second rotational direction
  • the actuatable connection may be actuated from the disconnected state to the connected state by relative rotation between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier and one or more components of the seal assembly in the first rotational direction, in order to reduce the risk that actuating the actuatable connection to the connected state will result in actuating the seal assembly to the set position.
  • the directions of relative rotation required to actuate the seal assembly to the unset position and to actuate the actuatable connection to the connected state may be the same.
  • the first rotational direction may be rotation of one or more components of the seal assembly carrier to the left relative to the seal assembly
  • the first rotational direction may be rotation of one or more components of the seal assembly to the right relative to the seal assembly.
  • the first rotational direction may be rotation of one or more components of the seal assembly carrier to the right relative to the seal assembly, and the first rotational direction may be rotation of one or more components of the seal assembly to the left relative to the seal assembly.
  • the invention is a method of selectively sealing a conduit comprising: providing an apparatus comprising: a housing, the housing defining a housing bore and having a housing proximal end and a housing distal end, wherein the housing distal end is adapted to be connectable with a fitting associated with the conduit; (ii) an actuatable seal assembly adapted for sealing the conduit, wherein the seal assembly is selectively actuatable between an unset position for conveying the seal assembly through the conduit and a set position for sealing the conduit; (iii) a seal assembly carrier reciprocably extending through the housing bore, for conveying the seal assembly and for actuating the seal assembly between the unset position and the set position; and an actuatable connection between the seal assembly and the seal assembly carrier, wherein the actuatable connection is selectively actuatable between a connected state in which the seal assembly is connected with the seal assembly carrier and a disconnected state in which the seal assembly is disconnected from the seal assembly carrier; wherein the apparatus is provided with the seal
  • the exemplary embodiment of the method may further comprise, after (f):
  • the method of the invention may be performed using any apparatus which is comprised of a housing, an selectively actuatable seal assembly, a seal assembly carrier, and a selectively actuatable actuatable connection.
  • the method of the invention may be performed using an apparatus according to the various apparatus embodiments of the invention.
  • the seal assembly may be actuated between the unset position and the set position in any manner which enables the seal assembly to be selectively actuated
  • the actuatable connection may be actuated between the connected state and the disconnected state in any manner which enables the actuatable connection to be selectively actuated.
  • actuating the seal assembly between the unset position and the set position may be comprised of rotating one or more components of the seal assembly carrier relative to one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • actuating the actuatable connection between the connected state and the disconnected state may be comprised of rotating one or more components of the seal assembly carrier relative to one or more components of the seal assembly.
  • actuating the seal assembly to the set position may be comprised of rotating one or more components of the seal assembly carrier relative to one or more components of the seal assembly in a first rotational direction
  • actuating the actuatable connection to the disconnected state may be comprised of rotating one or more components of the seal assembly carrier relative to one or more components of the seal assembly in a second rotational direction which is opposite to the first rotational direction
  • actuating the seal assembly to the unset position may be comprised of rotating one or more components of the seal assembly carrier relative to one or more components of the seal assembly in a second rotational direction
  • actuating the actuatable connection to the connected state may be comprised of rotating one or more components of the seal assembly carrier relative to one or more components of the seal assembly in a first rotational direction which is opposite to the second rotational direction
  • the first rotational direction may be rotation of one or more components of the seal assembly carrier to the left relative to the seal assembly
  • the first rotational direction may be rotation of one or more components of the seal assembly to the right relative to the seal assembly.
  • the first rotational direction may be rotation of one or more components of the seal assembly carrier to the right relative to the seal assembly, and the first rotational direction may be rotation of one or more components of the seal assembly to the left relative to the seal assembly.
  • the method may be further comprised of disconnecting the housing distal end from the fitting after (j).
  • the method may be further comprised of removing an intermediate fitting associated with the conduit after (f), wherein the intermediate fitting is interposed between the fitting and the conduit.
  • the fitting, the intermediate fitting and the conduit may define a conduit installation axis.
  • the fitting may be permanently mounted so that the fitting cannot be removed to facilitate removal of the intermediate fitting by axial movement along the conduit installation axis.
  • the intermediate fitting may be removed by moving the intermediate fitting transversely relative to the conduit installation axis.
  • the intermediate fitting may be inspected, serviced and/or repaired and then reinstalled before (g). In some embodiments, the intermediate fitting may be replaced with a replacement fitting before (g).
  • the intermediate fitting may be comprised of any type of fitting which may be included in the conduit installation.
  • the intermediate fitting may be a valve and the replacement fitting may be a replacement valve.
  • Figure 1 is a pictorial view of an apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, showing the seal assembly carrier retracted through the housing bore in the proximal direction, and showing the seal assembly connected with the seal assembly carrier.
  • Figure 2 is a pictorial view of an apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the apparatus of the invention, showing the seal assembly carrier advanced through the housing bore in the distal direction, and showing the seal assembly disconnected from the seal assembly carrier.
  • Figure 3 is an exploded pictorial view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , showing the components of the apparatus unassembled, and showing both a first exemplary embodiment and a second exemplary embodiment of the seal assembly.
  • Figure 4 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus in preparation for being connected with the fitting, and showing the valve fully closed.
  • Figure 5 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus connected with the fitting, and showing the seal assembly contacting the fully closed valve.
  • Figure 6 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus connected with the fitting, and showing the seal assembly carrier being advanced through the housing bore in the distal direction with the valve fully open.
  • Figure 7 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1, a valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus connected with the fitting, and showing the seal assembly being actuated to the set position by manipulating the seal assembly carrier.
  • Figure 7 A is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus connected with the fitting, and showing the actuatable connection being actuated to the disconnected state by manipulating the seal assembly carrier.
  • Figure 8 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus connected with the fitting, showing the seal assembly disconnected from the seal assembly carrier, showing the seal assembly carrier being retracted through the housing bore in the proximal direction, showing the seal assembly positioned in the conduit in the set position, and showing the valve fully open.
  • Figure 9 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus disconnected from the fitting, showing the seal assembly positioned in the conduit in the set position, and showing the valve being moved transversely relative to the conduit installation axis in order to remove the valve from the conduit installation.
  • Figure 10 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a replacement valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus connected with the fitting, showing the seal assembly carrier being advanced through the housing bore in the distal direction, showing the seal assembly positioned in the conduit in the set position, and showing the replacement valve fully open.
  • Figure 1 1 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a replacement valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus connected with the fitting, showing the seal assembly carrier contacting the seal assembly, showing the actuatable connection being actuated to the connected state by manipulating the seal assembly carrier.
  • Figure 12 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 , a replacement valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus connected with the fitting, showing the seal assembly connected with the seal assembly carrier, and showing the seal assembly being actuated to the unset position by manipulating the seal assembly carrier.
  • Figure 13 is a longitudinal section view of the exemplary embodiment of the apparatus depicted in Figure 1, a replacement valve, a conduit, and a fitting, showing the housing of the apparatus disconnected from the fitting, showing the seal assembly connected with the seal assembly carrier, showing the seal assembly carrier retracted through the housing bore in the proximal direction, and showing the replacement valve fully closed.
  • the present invention is directed at an apparatus for sealing a conduit in order to facilitate maintenance and/or repair of a conduit installation, wherein the conduit installation includes the conduit and its associated fittings.
  • the apparatus (20) may be used to replace an intermediate fitting such as a valve (22) which is associated with a conduit (24) in a conduit installation.
  • the conduit (24) is in fluid communication with a source of fluid.
  • the source of fluid may be a storage tank, such as an oil storage tank (26).
  • the conduit installation and the source of fluid do not form part of the invention.
  • the apparatus (20) is comprised of a housing (30), an actuatable seal assembly (32), a seal assembly carrier (34), and an actuatable connection (36) between the seal assembly (32) and the seal assembly carrier (34).
  • the seal assembly (32) is adapted to seal the conduit (24) and is selectively actuatable between an unset position for conveying the seal assembly (32) and a set position for sealing the conduit (24).
  • the seal assembly (32) is actuatable between the unset position and the set position by relative rotation between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier (34) and one or more components of the seal assembly (32).
  • the purpose of the seal assembly carrier (34) is to convey the seal assembly (32) to and through the conduit (24) and to actuate the seal assembly (32) between the unset position and the set position.
  • the actuatable connection (36) is selectively actuatable between a connected state in which the seal assembly (32) is connected with the seal assembly carrier (34) and a disconnected state in which the seal assembly (32) is disconnected from the seal assembly carrier (34).
  • the actuatable connection (36) is actuatable between the connected state and the disconnected state by relative rotation between one or more components of the seal assembly carrier (34) and one or more components of the seal assembly (32).
  • the housing (30) has a housing proximal end (46) and a housing distal end (48).
  • a housing bore (54) extends through the housing (30) from the housing proximal end (46) to the housing distal end (48), thereby defining a housing proximal primary port (50) at the housing proximal end (46) and a housing distal primary port (52) at the housing distal end (48).
  • the housing (30) is constructed from a plurality of components which are temporarily or permanently connected together. Moving from the housing proximal end (46) toward the housing distal end (48), the housing (30) is comprised of a hexagonal plug (56), a packing coupling (58), and a threaded crossover coupling (60).
  • the crossover coupling (60) includes external threads which are selected to be compatible with internal threads in a fitting (62) which is included in the conduit installation so that the housing (30) is thereby adapted to be connectable with the fitting (62).
  • the crossover coupling (60) may include an alternative form of coupling which is compatible with the fitting (62) such as, by way of non- limiting examples, internal threads, a flange or a camlock coupling.
  • the fitting (62) is located proximally relative to the valve (22) in the conduit installation and may be a permanently mounted fitting.
  • the crossover coupling (60) provides a transition between the relatively larger diameter of the fitting (62) and the relatively smaller diameter of the packing coupling (58).
  • the crossover coupling (60) is welded to the packing coupling (58).
  • the packing coupling (58) contains a suitable packing (64) and a packing ring (66).
  • the packing (64) provides a seal between the housing (30) and the seal assembly carrier (34).
  • the packing ring (66) abuts the packing (64) and assists in maintaining the packing (64) in place inside the packing coupling (58).
  • the packing (64) consists of Teflon (trade-mark), which allows the seal assembly carrier (34) to slide smoothly through the packing coupling (58) while maintaining the seal between the housing (30) and the seal assembly carrier (34).
  • the packing ring (66) is an annular steel washer. Internal threads are provided in the packing coupling (58) to accommodate the hexagonal plug (56).
  • the packing coupling (58) may have a nominal size of about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) and the packing (64) may have a thickness of about 0.25 inches (about 0.6 centimeters).
  • the hexagonal plug (56) includes exterior threads so that the hexagonal plug (56) can be threadably coupled with the packing coupling (58). When coupled with the packing coupling (58), the hexagonal plug (56) abuts the packing (64). As a result, the hexagonal plug (56) assists the packing coupling (58) in maintaining a seal between the housing (30) and the seal assembly carrier (34) by providing support for the packing ring (66) and containment of the packing (64) within the packing coupling (58).
  • the hexagonal plug (56) may have a nominal size of about 2 inches (about 5 centimeters) to fit within the packing coupling (58) and may have a 1.75 inch (about 4.4 centimeters) hole machined through it to accommodate the seal assembly carrier (34).
  • the housing (30) further comprises an auxiliary port (70) having an auxiliary port valve (72).
  • the auxiliary port (70) communicates with the housing bore (54).
  • the auxiliary port (70) is located on the crossover coupling (60).
  • the auxiliary port (70) may have a nominal diameter of about 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters).
  • the housing (30) further comprises two clevises (74) which are spaced 180 degrees apart, adjacent to the threads on the crossover coupling (60).
  • the clevises (74) are welded to the crossover coupling (60).
  • the seal assembly carrier (34) is configured to reciprocably extend through the housing bore (54).
  • the seal assembly carrier (34) is comprised of a connecting component (80) and a seal actuating component (82).
  • the actuatable connection (36) is provided between the connecting component (80) and the seal assembly.
  • the seal actuating component (82) actuates the seal assembly (32).
  • the connecting component (80) is comprised of a connecting tube (84) which defines a tube bore (86).
  • the connecting tube (84) is comprised of a proximal tube (88) and a distal tube (90).
  • the distal tube (90) is larger in diameter and shorter than the proximal tube (88).
  • the distal tube (90) may have an outer diameter of about 2.875 inches (about 7.3 centimeters) and a length of about 9.75 inches (about 24.8 centimeters).
  • the proximal tube (88) may have an outer diameter of about 1.65 inches (about 4.2 centimeters), an inner diameter of about 1.1 inches (about 2.8 centimeters), and a length of about 39 inches (about 99 centimeters).
  • a washer (92) having an outer diameter of about 3 inches (about 7.6 centimeters) and an inner diameter of about 1.1 inches (about 2.8 centimeters) is interposed between the proximal tube (88) and the distal tube (90), and the proximal tube (88), the washer (92) and the distal tube (90) are welded together to provide the connecting tube (84).
  • the distal end of the distal tube (90) is comprised of external threads (94).
  • the external threads (94) provide one-half of a threaded connection with the seal assembly (32), which threaded connection provides the actuatable connection (36).
  • the external threads (94) are right-handed threads so that rotation of the connecting tube (84) to the right relative to the seal assembly (32) will cause the actuatable connection (36) to be actuated to the connected state, and so that rotation of the connecting tube (84) to the left relative to the seal assembly (32) will cause the actuatable connection (36) to be actuated to the disconnected state.
  • the seal actuating component (82) is comprised of a seal actuating member (100) which is configured to fit within the tube bore (84).
  • the seal actuating member (100) is comprised of a proximal member (102) and a distal member (104).
  • the distal member (104) is larger in diameter and shorter than the proximal member (102).
  • the distal member (104) may have an outer diameter of about 1.9 inches (about 4.8 centimeters) and a length of about 9.5 inches (about 24.1 centimeters).
  • the distal end of the distal member (104) may be comprised of an actuating tool (106) comprising a 1 inch socket wrench 1.5 inches deep, which may be welded to the distal end of the distal member (104).
  • the proximal member (102) may be comprised of a rod having a diameter of about 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters) and a length of about 44 inches (about 1 12 centimeters).
  • the proximal member (102) and the distal member ( 104) are welded together to provide the seal actuating member (100).
  • the proximal end of the proximal member (102) is threaded with external threads (108) which are configured to accept a 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters) threaded carrier nut ( 1 10) and a 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters) threaded dual clevis (1 12).
  • the external threads (108) are right-handed threads so that the carrier nut (1 10) and the dual clevis ( 1 12) are threaded onto the external threads ( 108) by rotation to the right relative to the proximal member (102).
  • the proximal member (102) is longer than the proximal tube (88), so that the proximal end of the proximal member (102) protrudes from a proximal end of the proximal tube (88). This enables the carrier nut (1 10) and the dual clevis (1 12) to be threaded onto the external threads (108) when the seal actuating member (100) is positioned within the tube bore (86).
  • the seal actuating member (100) When the seal actuating member (100) is positioned within the tube bore (86) and the carrier nut (1 10) and dual clevis (1 12) are threaded onto the external threads (108) on the seal actuating member (100), the seal actuating member (100) is prevented from being separated from the connecting tube (84) in one direction by the washer (92) and in the other direction by the carrier nut ( 1 10) and the dual clevis (1 12). Furthermore, when the seal actuating member (100) is positioned within the tube bore (86), the seal actuating member (100) and the connecting tube (84) are capable of being rotated relative to each other.
  • the proximal end of the seal assembly (32) is comprised of internal threads (120).
  • the internal threads (120) on the seal assembly (120) and the external threads (94) on the distal end of the distal tube (90) provide the actuatable connection (36).
  • the internal threads (120) and the external threads (94) are right-handed threads so that rotation of the connecting tube (84) to the right relative to the seal assembly (32) will cause the actuatable connection (36) to be actuated to the connected state, and so that rotation of the connecting tube (84) to the left relative to the seal assembly (32) will cause the actuatable connection (36) to be actuated to the disconnected state.
  • the seal assembly (32) is comprised of a seal.
  • the seal is comprised of a single seal element ( 122).
  • the seal is comprised of two seal elements (122).
  • the second exemplary embodiment of the seal assembly (32) may be used in circumstances where the conduit (24) to be sealed is relatively long in length.
  • the first exemplary embodiment of the seal assembly (32) may be used in all circumstances, but is particularly advantageous where the conduit (24) to be sealed is relatively short in length.
  • the seal may be comprised of more than two seal elements (122), which may be particularly advantageous where the conduit (24) to be sealed is long enough to accommodate a seal with an extended length.
  • the seal comprising one or more seal elements (122), has a seal proximal end (124) and a seal distal end (126).
  • the seal elements (122) contact each other (without any intervening spacer or spacers).
  • the seal expands radially in response to an axial setting force being applied thereto in order to actuate the seal assembly (32) to the set position, and the seal contracts radially in response to the axial setting force being released in order to actuate the seal assembly (32) to the unset position.
  • the seal assembly is further comprised of a proximal collar (130) for engaging the seal proximal end (124) and a distal collar (132) for engaging the seal distal end (126).
  • the proximal collar (130) engages the seal proximal end (124) directly (without any intervening spacer) and the distal collar (132) engages the seal distal end ( 126) directly (without any intervening spacer).
  • the proximal collar (130) and the distal collar (132) are moved axially relative to each other in order to apply and release the axial setting force.
  • the distal collar (132) is comprised of a solid plug (134) which has a generally rounded distal end to facilitate conveying the seal assembly (32) through the conduit (24) and a flat proximal end to facilitate engagement with the seal distal end (126).
  • the distal collar (132) is further comprised of a threaded shaft (136) which extends from the flat proximal end of the distal collar.
  • the threaded shaft (136) may be welded to the plug (134) or may be machined from the plug (134).
  • the proximal collar (130) is comprised of a tubular collar which has an open proximal end and a flat distal end to facilitate engagement with the seal proximal end (124).
  • the flat distal end of the proximal collar (130) defines a central bore (138) which is configured to enable the proximal collar ( 130) to be carried on the threaded shaft (136) of the distal collar (132).
  • the open proximal end of the proximal collar ( 130) includes the internal threads (120).
  • the proximal collar ( 130) may be constructed from a short length of pipe which is welded to a washer.
  • the seal assembly (32) is further comprised of a threaded seal assembly nut (150) which is configured to be compatible with the threads on the threaded shaft ( 136) of the distal collar (132) so that the seal assembly nut (150) can be threaded onto the threaded shaft (136).
  • the threaded shaft ( 136) and the seal assembly nut ( 150) have complementary left-handed threads, so that rotation of the seal assembly nut (150) to the left relative to the threaded shaft (150) will cause the seal assembly nut (150) to advance axially along the threaded shaft (136) toward the plug, and rotation of the seal assembly nut (150) to the right relative to the threaded shaft (1 0) will cause the seal assembly nut (150) to retract axially along the threaded shaft (150) toward the proximal end of the threaded shaft (150).
  • each of the seal elements (122) defines a central bore (152) which is configured to enable the seal elements (122) to be carried on the threaded shaft (136) of the distal collar (132).
  • the one or more seal elements (122), followed by the proximal collar (130) are passed over the threaded shaft (136), and the seal assembly nut (150) is then threaded onto the threaded shaft (136).
  • a cotter pin (154) is then inserted through a transverse hole (156) through the end of the threaded shaft (136) in order to prevent the seal assembly nut (150) from separating from the threaded shaft (136).
  • the seal assembly nut (150) provides an actuatable device for moving the proximal collar (130) and the distal collar (132) axially relative to each other, since movement of the seal assembly nut (150) axially along the threaded shaft (136) will cause the proximal collar (130) to move along the threaded shaft (136).
  • the seal assembly nut (150) is configured to be compatible with the actuating tool (106) of the seal actuating member (100), comprising the socket wrench, so that the socket wrench can engage the seal assembly nut (1 0) in order to actuate the seal assembly (32).
  • the plug has an outer diameter of about 3.6 inches (about 9.1 centimeters) and a length of about 1.6 inches (about 4.1 centimeters), and the threaded shaft has an outer diameter of about 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters) and a length of about 3.6 inches (about 9.1 centimeters), so that the distal collar (132) has a total length of about 5.2 inches (about 13.2 centimeters).
  • the proximal collar (130) has an outer diameter of about 3.6 inches (about 9.1 centimeters), an inner diameter of about 1.1 inches (about 2.8 centimeters), and a length of about 1.1 inches (about 2.8 centimeters).
  • the seal element (122) has an outer diameter of about 3.6 inches (about 9.1 centimeters), an inner diameter of about 0.9 inches (about 2.3 centimeters), and a seal element length of about 2 inches (about 5.1 centimeters).
  • the cotter pin (154) has a length of about 1.5 inches (about 3.8 centimeters).
  • the plug has an outer diameter of about 3 inches (about 7.6 centimeters) and a length of about 1.6 inches (about 4.1 centimeters), and the threaded shaft has an outer diameter of about 1 inch (about 2.5 centimeters and a length of about 6.5 inches (about 16.5 centimeters), so that the distal collar (132) has a total length of about 8.1 inches (about 20.6 centimeters).
  • the proximal collar (130) has an outer diameter of about 3.35 inches (about 8.5 centimeters), an inner diameter of about 1.1 inches (about 2.8 centimeters), and a length of about 1.5 inches (about 3.8 centimeters).
  • each of the seal elements ( 122) has an outer diameter of about 3.35 inches (about 8.5 centimeters), an inner diameter of about 0.9 inches (about 2.3 centimeters), and a seal element length of about 2 inches (about 5.1 centimeters).
  • the cotter pin (154) has a length of about 1.5 inches (about 3.8 centimeters).
  • the intermediate fitting may be a valve (22) which is removably connected between a conduit (24) leading from a storage tank, such as an oil storage tank (not shown) and a relatively proximal fitting (62) which may be permanently mounted as part of the conduit installation.
  • a storage tank such as an oil storage tank (not shown)
  • a relatively proximal fitting (62) which may be permanently mounted as part of the conduit installation.
  • the conduit installation may be associated with an oil storage tank having a valve and spill containment system (not shown) of the general type described in U.S. Patent No. 5,960,826 (Hebblethwaite et al).
  • the intermediate valve (22) may correspond generally to the outlet valve which is designated as "42" and the fitting (62) may correspond generally to the bull plug which is designated as "50" in Figure 2 of U.S. Patent No. 5,960,826 (Hebblethwaite et al).
  • the fitting (62) may be located within the secondary chamber which is designated as "32” or may be located in the outer tank wall which is designated as "28" in U.S. Patent No. 5,960,826 (Hebblethwaite et al).
  • the following description is of a method of using an apparatus (20) according to the exemplary apparatus embodiment for such applications, with reference to Figures 4-13.
  • valves and/or fittings may interfere with the method and use of the apparatus (20). In such circumstances, it may be desirable (if possible) to remove such valves and/or fittings and replace them with plugs or blinds before performing the method.
  • some oil storage tanks may be provided with an oil load valve which communicates with an upper end of the oil storage tank. If the fluid level in the oil storage tank is below the level at which the oil load valve communicates with the oil storage tank the oil load valve may be removed and replaced with a plug or blind without risk of fluid escaping from the tank.
  • the apparatus (20) is assembled for use.
  • the housing (30) may be assembled by connecting the auxiliary port valve (72) with the auxiliary port (70).
  • the seal assembly (32) may be assembled by placing the seal element (122) or seal elements
  • the seal assembly carrier (34) may be assembled by inserting the seal actuating member (100) into the connecting tube (84), threading the carrier nut (1 10) onto the external threads (108) on the proximal end of the seal actuating member (100) by rotating the carrier nut ( 1 10) to the right until the carrier nut
  • the actuatable connection (36) may be actuated to the connected state by connecting the internal threads (120) on the seal assembly
  • the proximal end of the seal assembly carrier (34) may then be inserted into the housing distal primary port (52) and extending the seal assembly carrier (34) through the housing bore (54).
  • valve (22) is closed or the valve (22) is inspected to confirm and ensure that it is closed.
  • the housing (30) is connected directly or indirectly with the fitting (62), such as by threading the housing (30) onto complementary threads on the fitting (62). If the fitting (62) is provided with a plug (not shown) or other structure, the plug or other structure is removed before the housing (30) is connected with the fitting (62).
  • the seal assembly carrier (34) is advanced through the housing bore (54) in a distal direction to convey the seal assembly (32) until the seal assembly (32) contacts the closed valve (22), with the seal assembly (32) in the unset position.
  • the position of the seal assembly carrier (34) relative to the housing bore (54) is noted and the additional distance which the seal assembly carrier (34) must be advanced in order to convey the seal assembly (32) past the valve (22) and into a desired position in the conduit (22) is marked in some manner on the seal assembly carrier (34). For example, a pair of vice grips may be fastened onto the connecting tube (84) to mark the additional distance which is required.
  • two come-along devices may be attached and snugged up between the two clevises (74) on the housing (30) and the dual clevis (1 12) which is threaded onto the seal actuating member (100).
  • valve (22) is opened and the seal assembly carrier (34) is advanced further through the housing bore (54) in order to convey the seal assembly (32) the additional distance to the desired position of the seal assembly (32) relative to the conduit (22).
  • the come-along devices may be actuated to pull the seal assembly carrier (34) through the housing bore (54) if the conduit installation remains plugged with sand or other debris.
  • a strap (not shown) may optionally be connected between the housing
  • the carrier nut (1 10) is engaged with a wrench and is rotated to the left in order to turn the seal actuating member (100) and actuate the seal assembly (32) to the set position by turning of the seal assembly nut (150) by the actuating tool ( 106).
  • the actuation of the seal assembly (32) to the set position may be confirmed by the number of rotations of the seal actuating member (100) and/or by the torque which is applied by the wrench.
  • the connecting tube (84) is rotated to the left with a tool such as a pipe wrench in order to actuate the actuatable connection (36) to the disconnected state, thereby releasing the seal assembly carrier (34) from the seal assembly (32), and the seal assembly carrier (34) is retracted through the housing bore (54) until it is downstream (i.e., proximal) to the valve (22).
  • the seal assembly (32) is thus in the set position within the conduit (24) in order to seal the conduit (24), and the seal assembly carrier (34) is clear of the valve (22) so that the seal assembly carrier (34) will not interfere with the removal of the valve (22).
  • the auxiliary port valve (72) is opened to drain the housing bore (54).
  • the housing (30) may be removed from the fitting (62) or may remain attached to the fitting (62) with the seal assembly carrier (34) retracted in the housing bore (54).
  • the valve (22) is removed from the conduit installation.
  • the valve (22) and its adjacent structures may include flanges and fasteners (i.e., studs and nuts) to secure the valve (22) within the conduit installation.
  • the valve (22) may be unfastened and one or more flange spreaders (not shown) may be used to separate the flanges on the valve (22) from adjacent flanges so that any gaskets (156) associated with the flanges can be removed. Once the gaskets (156) are removed, the valve (22) can be removed from the conduit installation by moving the valve (22) transversely relative to the conduit installation axis.
  • valve (22) In other applications in which the valve (22) is secured within the conduit installation in some other manner, other steps may be required in order to remove the valve (22) from the conduit installation.
  • the valve (22) may be moved transversely without interference from the seal assembly carrier (34). Twelfth, the conduit installation downstream (i.e., proximal) of the seal assembly (32) is cleaned to remove sand and other debris and to prepare the flanges or other structures which were adjacent to the valve (22) for the installation of a replacement valve (160).
  • the replacement valve (160) and replacement gaskets (162) are moved transversely relative to the conduit installation axis in order to position the replacement valve (160) and the replacement gaskets (162) within the conduit installation.
  • one or more flange spreaders may be used to provide sufficient space to position the replacement valve (160) and the replacement gaskets (162) within the conduit installation.
  • holes in the flanges may be lined up to accept studs, studs may be inserted into the holes, and nuts may be threaded onto the studs to secure the replacement valve (1 0) within the conduit installation.
  • the replacement valve (160) is installed so that it is open.
  • the housing (30) and the seal assembly carrier (34) and their components, including in particular the external threads (94) on the connecting tube (84), are cleaned to prepare them for removal of the seal assembly (32) from the conduit (24). If the housing (30) was removed from the fitting (62) following actuation of the seal assembly (32) to the set position and actuation of the actuatable connection (36) to the disconnected state, the housing (30) is reconnected with the fitting (62).
  • the seal assembly carrier (34) is advanced through the housing bore (54) and the replacement valve (160) until the actuating tool (106) contacts the seal assembly nut (150).
  • the seal actuating member (100) is rotated to the left until the seal actuating member (100) advances further and the actuating tool (106) engages the seal assembly nut (150).
  • the connecting tube (84) is then advanced further and rotated to the right with a tool such as a pipe wrench in order to actuate the actuatable connection (36) to the connected state.
  • the actuation of the actuatable connection (36) to the connected state may be confirmed by the number of rotations of the connecting tube (84) and/or by the torque which is applied by the pipe wrench.
  • the seal actuating member (100) is then rotated to the right in order to actuate the seal assembly (32) to the unset position so that the seal assembly (32) can be removed from the conduit (24).
  • the seal assembly carrier (34) is then retracted through the housing bore (54) until the seal assembly (32) clears the replacement valve (160).
  • the replacement valve (160) is closed, the housing (30) is removed from the fitting (62), and the apparatus (20) is cleaned.
  • the fitting (62) is then restored to its initial condition, which may include reinstalling a plug or other structure in the fitting (62).
  • valves and/or fittings positioned close to the conduit installation were removed and replaced with plugs or blinds in preparation for the performance of the method, the valves and/or fittings may be reinstalled in order to restore the storage tank to its initial condition.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Gasket Seals (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil et un procédé d'étanchéification sélective d'une conduite. L'appareil comprend un logement, un ensemble joint d'étanchéité pouvant être actionné sélectivement, un support d'ensemble joint d'étanchéité permettant le transport et l'actionnement de l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité et un raccordement pouvant être actionné sélectivement entre l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité et le support d'ensemble joint d'étanchéité. Le procédé comprend la fourniture de l'appareil, le raccordement du logement à un accessoire, l'avancement du support d'ensemble joint d'étanchéité pour le positionnement de l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité dans une conduite, l'actionnement de l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité pour l'étanchéification de la conduite, l'actionnement du raccordement pouvant être actionné pour la libération de l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité du support d'ensemble joint d'étanchéité et la rétractation du support d'ensemble joint d'étanchéité. Le procédé peut comprendre en outre l'avancement du support d'ensemble joint d'étanchéité pour l'entrée en prise de l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité, l'actionnement du raccordement pouvant être actionné pour le raccordement de l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité au support d'ensemble joint d'étanchéité, l'actionnement de l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité pour la désétanchéification de la conduite et la rétractation du support d'ensemble joint d'étanchéité et de l'ensemble joint d'étanchéité de la conduite.
PCT/CA2013/000009 2013-01-08 2013-01-08 Appareil et procédé d'étanchéification d'une conduite WO2014107785A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CA2013/000009 WO2014107785A1 (fr) 2013-01-08 2013-01-08 Appareil et procédé d'étanchéification d'une conduite
US14/759,188 US9857016B2 (en) 2013-01-08 2013-01-08 Apparatus and a method for sealing a conduit
CA2897349A CA2897349C (fr) 2013-01-08 2013-01-08 Appareil et procede d'etancheification d'une conduite

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/CA2013/000009 WO2014107785A1 (fr) 2013-01-08 2013-01-08 Appareil et procédé d'étanchéification d'une conduite

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WO2014107785A1 true WO2014107785A1 (fr) 2014-07-17

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FR3103247A1 (fr) * 2019-11-14 2021-05-21 Sebastien Mennegaut Procédé de remplacement d’une vanne dans un réseau de fluide sous pression

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US20150338013A1 (en) 2015-11-26
CA2897349A1 (fr) 2014-07-17
US9857016B2 (en) 2018-01-02
CA2897349C (fr) 2017-10-03

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